Colorado Eagles grab of Kevin Ulanski is better late than never

Forward returns to fold

The goal is two-fold when it comes to the Colorado Eagles signing Kevin Ulanski.

That's why it was pretty much a no-doubter when head coach Chris Stewart heard that Ulanski was interested in returning to the team.

"I'm happy to give the kid another look," Stewart said Tuesday, half-joking.

What was initially a reaching out turned into reality on Tuesday, as the team formally announced Ulanski's return. In Ulanski, the Eagles are getting a big-time scorer with the ability to play solid defense, adding a well-rounded forward to the roster.

This, most Eagles fans already know. Ulanski has played each of the past four seasons with the Eagles, accumulating 356 points in 249 games, with a plus-minus rating of plus-128. He's been a part of two Eagles teams that made the CHL's Presidents' Cup Finals, and he joined the team in November of last year as they moved into the ECHL.

The history of Ulanski with the Eagles speaks volumes, which is why Stewart is giving him another shot.

"I didn't really think he was giving it any serious thought, but I knew some players had been talking to him," Stewart said, as his team is preparing for tonight's game against Utah. "He can play both ends of the ice, and we're looking forward to having him back here.

"I think the guys are happy to see him in the locker room."

Ulanski likely won't play for at least a couple of games, and Stewart said he wants to take his time making sure Ulanski, who turned 30 in May, is ready to go. But, the coach already has a plan in place for when he does get in game shape.

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Stewart plans on putting him together with Riley Nelson and Joey Sides, at least initially. With Chad Costello, Jack Combs and Michael Forney (this week's ECHL player of the week) hitting on all cylinders, that line looks to be set for awhile; and, Stewart said, Trent Daavettila is starting to play strong with the candidates on the third line.

Stewart hopes Ulanski's presence might get Nelson going. The vet has five assists without a goal so far in nine games played.

"That was a formidable line last year, and we're not about to disband the Forney line," he said. "I think with the lines the way they are looking, we'll have a team that can do some damage. It's just a matter of, bringing it together as a team and not as individuals."